Desiderio was a bull which lived on Avignonesi’s Capezzine farm more than one hundred years ago. The largest bull in Tuscany at that time. This majestic animal helped define the Chianina cattle race, specific to the Bistecca Fiorentina. It came as a natural choice to dedicate this Merlot to the beloved bull as a testimony to the wines’ origin. This is Merlot from Tuscany at its best.
Explosive olfactory impact, the wide aromatic bouquet ranges from cherry and plum jam to notes of black tea, rhubarb and graphite, with small final notes of fermented tobacco. The entrance is bursting. The palate is invested by the imposing and typical structure of Tuscan Merlot, enveloping and warm. Tastefully in symbiosis with the olfactory notes, the dense and linear tannin accompanies hints of coconut and black pepper in retrolfaction.
Temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation lasted between 2 to 3 weeks, with maceration on the skins in stainless steel tanks. Only indigenous yeasts were used. The malolactic fermentation took place in oak.
Aged in 20 months in 225 litres oak barrels (15% new)
94 pts James Suckling, 93 pts Veronelli, 92 pts Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts Decanter, 91 pts Vinous.
